DURHAM, N.C. - The fact that 59-year-old Tom Watson nearly won this weekend's British Open does not surprise Duke University sports psychologist Greg Dale, who says older athletes who take care of their body and mind can compete with younger athletes.

"We know so much more about our bodies today. We can prescribe workout routines, flexibility routines that extend your career," said Dale, director of sports psychology and leadership programs for Duke Athletics. "Athletes like swimmer Dara Torres and baseball's Tim Wakefield (both age 42) recognize the importance of staying in shape and are very disciplined in their work ethic.

"But athletes are also much more open to mental training than they were 10, 15 years ago. They're looking to sports psychologists just as they look to exercise trainers. So while like it's important to build quads, biceps and triceps, training the mind will also improve performance."

Dale said physically punishing sports like football do not lend themselves to longevity, but athletes do not lose their competitive spirit. And older athletes like Watson tend to have a perspective that their younger counterparts often lack.

"When you've been involved in sports for a long time, you realize that not every shot, every pitch is so dramatic," Dale said. "You become much wiser, more attune to what's important."